I just don't see the point in the photo needing to be sent to someone first. It was fine the way it was. I don't see the reason behind all the sudden changes in the competition and it seems with the new rules that the participation rate has diminished. If the changes are making for worse participation, why keep the changes? Just my opinion.

And I find that if someone does not fully understand the topic or not have any inspiration for the topic that seeing other entries does help which in turn also increasing the participation.

It basically comes down to the point that I don't really see the need for all the changes.

^^ you still havent answered my question as to why and you are basically repeating what you said earlier. as u said...so it basically comes down to the point that you dont see the need how?

if you had read my earlier posts, i explained clearly that this was done to keep the element of surprise and more importantly, to make the entries competitive and creative (since you wont be looking at other submissions in advance, it will be totally left to your own imagination/research to come up with an idea to shoot the subject)

to your other point, if someone doesnt understand the topic or is struggling with coming up with an idea, there are lots of resources available online to come up with an idea rather than waiting to see what other people are shooting...thats a bit less creative dont u think.

lastly, the submission rate did not diminish just due to these new rules. we hardly have 4-5 regulars in the area to begin with and lately, even less. dont remember if you or mike have participated here ever? or have you? my effort was to improve upon our monthly photo contests but it seems majority of the folks dont like the changes that were put in place. maybe people are just shy to send their photos...lol or dont feel confident enough. i wish somebody could explain though but i guess im right.

lets do one more month and lets strip the new rule and go back.

the new rule was no fix if you think about it. it was an attempt to improve upon the submissions.

maybe im trying to hard...hahaha :shooter:

I'd say leave it the way you have it, Sal. Let's see what becomes of it. It could be the difficulty of creative thinking from your avarage joe to come up with the subject of time that you have so very little interest this go around. Maybe the winner of this month should come up with an easier topic like animals or cars lol.

I wouldnt say "better things" than shoot...perhaps "other" things to do...cuz heck, I'd rather take pictures than do the other crap I have to do

Agreed, ok so I can word that better, but you know what I mean.

lets stay on topic

So when are you gona set up the new voting thread?

hopefully tonite

what you guys think of the new topic?
Do...able?

I thought it was a fantastic idea when I read what the topic was for May. Great possibility. It's not a limiting topic, in the least.

A very good idea, trance, and am looking forward to what you have in store, along with Sal and Marty, Matty, xray, Cerise, Kev and the others. :)

now we can all do a better job knowing you approve...nice colour, did you do that on purpose?

It'll be interesting. Since it rained the last few days, the grass is a little greener lol. I have a few ideas already.

^^ easy enough for you now xray? lol :-)

LOL! I have a few shots already!!! Like pie, Sal.

OK I have one quick question -- I just might get myself out there and take some shots, this is my kind of topic - But I have a ****ty cam - I can take decent quality shots, but not as good as some of the Nikons around here -- How much does the quality affect peoples votes? Like obviously if it is fuzzy, out of focus etc it is not worth it - But there are people who can tell by looking at the picture that it was taken with a lesser ISO, shutter speed, a non macro lens, or no lens on etc ... Will I be ok with my regular digital or should I steal Mike's camera for a day ?

I don't see why not. I entered a few contests on here before when I was shooting with my point and shoot digital camera and still got votes for it. Just be creative!

Ha ha don't edit in that 'canon' nonsense

But Sal and I would agree...

i always try to be creative with the topic and worry about how to get it after....camera shouldnt get in the way of creativity or a good shot.